Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-31
NORMAL NOTES.


the attention of Mental Science class
Laguage was defined as 1.-THE instrument O.
| thought and the means to express ideas.
Language is natural as used by all creatures
to express feeling, artificial as consisting o.
those vocal sounds, or written character
used by most persons, and the sign Language
used by the deaf and dumb. There can b.
no thought without language. Clear menta
operations can always be expressed clearly
The word Definition" defined thus, oar
exact enumeration of the constituents which
make up the logical essence" which being
rather too deeply metaphysical was sue
oeeded by this, ''Sueh a description as in
cludes all essential qualities and excludes al
non. essential" The above led to the follow
ing: All definitions and principles
should be stated with great precision At
tention cannot be given to thoughts ex
pressed in unfamiliar terms Care should bt
given not alone to subject matter that
thought may be secured, but to the forms OF
speech used that our own expression may be
fluent Owirg to the diversity of opinion
on many points, the recitation was unusually
interesting and consequently live discussions
ensued. Hit US again. Opposition warns
the blood and loosens the tongue.
The lesson in geography was practical
| illustration of the movements of the earth,
causes of day and night, changes of the sea-
sons, the eauinoxes and the procession, sum-
mer and winter, solstices, etc. At first the
ladies seemed rather timid, but after the dis
cusston was once begun some of the very best
points were made by them. The chief points
we're illustrated by use of the globe.
Professors faculty for shutting off irreleveat
discussion Is well developed, as is also his skill
in questioning. Would that every member
of Normal were SO skilled, what an impetus
our schools for the coming year would re-
ceive
Constitution came to the front with its
wonted manifestation of interest. The les
son, fully outlined upon the board by the in
structor, was upon 'modes of legislation"
The progress Of bill from its introduction
to final taking effect, was followed in order.
This class is making quite satisfactory pro-
gress; the theory of our government is fast
becoming their possession, the spoils, as yet
belong to the party dominant. What prac-
tica:: statesmen the class may yet give to the
world to predict, lest the fate of the false
prophets befall us.
The lesson in reading was varied by exer-
cises from several members of the class.
Criticism were then made regarding posi-
tion, facial expression and moderation of the
voice. The efforts made were very COM
mendable, and shows that we have some ora
tors in embryo. This lesson was one Of the
most interesting we have had and was duly
appreciated by all members.
United States history-Sub5ecS, Import
ant events, political, Industrial and educa-
tional from 1857 to 1887" Political-Adop-
ton of Constitution 1857; jays Treaty 1898;
Purchase of Louisiana 1903; War of 1872;
Florida Purchase 1929; Missouri Compro-
mise 1890; Notification Acts 1882; Annexa-
War 1916; Reconstruction 1s656S; Pur-
chase of Alaska 1867. Industrial-Cotton
Gin 1898; Fulton's Steamboat 1907: First
Railroad 1926; Erie Canal 1925; First Loco
motive 1880; Electro Magnetic Telegraph
1914; Mccormick Reaper 1884; Sewing Ma
chine 1913; Discovery of Gold 1s4s; Atlantic
Gable 1885; Pacific Railroad
1859; Telephone and Photograph
electric light, Panama canal mot yet fin
ished.)
Observation-Disclosures land given for educa-
tional purposes by ordinance of 1877. Web
ster's dictionary 1928. West Point military
academy 1902. First normal school 1889.
Annapolis naval academy 1915. Smithson-
ian institute 1916. Worcester's dictionary,
national educational bureau 1869.
Each of the above received a short explain
alton as to causes, results, authors, invent
ors, etc.
Despite the lowering condition OF the
weather last night creditable audience as
sembled to hear President A. R. Taylor's ad-
dress. The subject treated was "Test and
Tenures." 1t was handled in such way as
only an educated, practical teacher could
do. The many illustrations and references to
well-known characters of history, biography
or fiction, gave added interest and kept up
prevailing lively tone, while his skillful and
earnest advice made it sufficiently didactic
to meet the wants of the practically inclined.
The feast was further spread today by the
same eloquent speaker at the school build
ing. The hour usually devoted to methods
was gladly granted to President Taylor, and
he for more than one-half hour kept the I'M
divided attention Of an appreciative audi
ence. What treat we are having in these
closing days Of normal ChancellorEveres
so highly honored as an able, enthusiastic
speaker and educator, addresses us this eve
ming. Let all come,
Prof. Pence occupied part of the time
for school organization, by an address to the
teachers The Prof. says that any teacher
who does not leave the school he teaches this
fall in better condition than he found it his
of districts was explained, and it was shown
how beneficial these meetings were Exami-
nation of teachers take place on Friday and
Saturday, and all materials viii be furnish
ed.
The parliamentary law class had lively
meeting yesterday afternoon. Another
meeting is booked for today.
We are going to have a picnic next Thurs
day. The lecture last night was we'll attend
ed and appreciated. We will have another
good lecture this evening by Chancellor
Everest. We missed the calesthenics
as well as the marching.